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| Orchestra | Conductor | Leader | Rehearsal Venue/Times | Contact(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Adhoc Humanitarians’ Orchestra | Levon Parikian and Joseph Wolfe | Tara Persaud | St Augustine’s Church, 117 Queen's Gate, London SW7, in the week before a Thursday concert | Eleanor Merton +44 (0)20 8880 3807 / +44 (0)7770 376701 |
| The aim of the orchestra is to play highly satisfying, top-notch concerts to raise money for small scale, international humanitarian projects. The band is made up of top amateurs, semi and full pros, no-one is paid | ||||
All Saints Concert Band | Robert Mason and Brian Cox | Monday evenings from 8pm - 10.15pm in Upper Norwood SE19 | Debbie Grainger | |
| Please contact us to find out about current vacancies. | ||||
The Amadeus Chorus and Orchestra | Philip Mackenzie | Meets three times a year for intensive sessions. | | |
| Training orchestra for music students | ||||
Amati Orchestra | Leo Patsalides | Ben Craft | Resident Orchestra, The National Musicians' Church; Easy transport access, 4 mins walk from St. Paul's underground station. Tuesday evenings, 7.30-9.30pm | |
| The Amati Orchestra aims to become one of the finest non-professional symphony orchestras in the country. We are a friendly and sociable orchestra with membership including professional musicians, music college students and advanced amateur musicians. Current repertoire includes Beethoven Symphony No. 9 and Mendelssohn Symphony No. 1. Future plans include workshops and masterclasses with established international soloists and conductors. We are welcoming adult amateurs, Grade 8+, no auditions necessary. We are particularly seeking Double Basses, Bassoons, Horns, and maintain waiting lists for all sections. Visit our website for further details. | ||||
Angel Orchestra | Peter Fender | Abigail Dance | Wednesdays at 7.30pm in St. Silas with All Saints, Rising Hill St.(off Penton Street) N1 | Moritz Willers |
| We are a friendly amateur orchestra being led by professional conductor and leader. We welcome interest from all instruments but particularly strings. We perform 3 concerts a year and rehearsals take the form of sectionals alongside full orchestral rehearsals. | ||||
Arioso OrchestraNEW | Leo Patsalides | Resident Orchestra, The National Musicians' Church; Easy transport access, 4 mins walk from St. Paul's underground station. Thursday evenings, 7.30-9.30pm. | | |
| A virtually brand new advanced symphony orchestra, Grade 7+. We are a friendly and sociable orchestra. Current repertoire includes Beethoven Symphony No. 7 and Schubert Symphony No. 3. We welcome further advanced brass, strings, bassoons, and maintain waiting lists for all sections. Easy transport links in Zone 1 to the absolutely stunning National Musicians' Church. Visit our website for further details | ||||
The Ashford Baroque Ensemble | Philip Buckmaster | St Matthew's Church, Church Road, Ashford, Middx. Fortnightly on Monday evenings | Philip Buckmaster 020 8751 5315 | |
| Enthusiastic players wanted! Modern instruments accepted. We play music from c.1575-c.1775. Grade 8+ standard. Please visit our web site for more details and sound clips. | ||||
| Ashford Orchestra | Peter Legge | Tuesdays in term time, 7.30 to 9pm at St Matthew's Church, Church Road, Ashford, Middlesex | Tony Rogers (Treasurer)Janet Husband (Secretary) 01784 241027. | |
| Players of all standards welcome, especially string players. Ideal for newcomers to orchestral playing. | ||||
Barnes Concert Band | David Smith | Tuesday 19:30 Richmond Park Academy, SW14 8RG | Sam O'Connell 07709 341 604 | |
| If you are a woodwind, brass or percussion player with ensemble experience and an enthusiasm for playing in a group, then we would love to hear from you. We currently have vacancies for French Horn, Euphonium and Percussion (kit provided). | ||||
The Barnet Band | Wednesday evening between 7:45 and 10:00pm at Queen Elizabeth School, Queens Road, Barnet. | Ian Merryweather 020 8347-9208 | ||
| A community Wind Band who meet and play in the Barnet area. Playing enquiries always welcome. | ||||
Barnet Chamber Orchestra | Rachael Young | Eleanor Percy | Queen Elizabeth's School for Boys, Queens's Road, Barnet, Hertfordshire EN5 4DQ Tuesday Evenings, 8 -10pm | Stephen 020 8950 9359 Sue 020 8954 0430 |
| Join our new exciting friendly orchestra based in Barnet North London. Always looking for string players and some brass. Three concerts a year. See our website for details and rehearsal dates. | ||||
The Barnet Symphony Orchestra | Martin Loveday | Philip Gibson | Hendon School, Golders Rise, NW4, 19:45 - 22:00 Mondays | Paul McLoughlin |
| Very friendly, thriving orchestra seeks keen musicians! We rehearse term time Mondays and play 3 concerts a year. There's plenty of variety in our concert programmes to interest everyone. Please get in touch to find out more - we welcome all enquiries, particularly string players | ||||
Baroque Strings | Darragh Morgan and Robin Michael | Roberto Foth | 7 times a term on Monday evenings in Limehouse | Jenny Lloyd Jenny Thornley |
| A small, friendly, enthusiastic chamber orchestra for grade 6ish plus, meeting 7 times a term. This is a coached ensemble with excellent and entertaining tuition from professional musicians leading to an informal concert on the last Monday. All modern instruments, all baroque repertoire, suggestions encouraged from players. Come and join us! | ||||
Beckenham Concert Band | John Hargreaves | Philip Emery | Tuesdays 8 -10 pm St Barnabas Church Hall, Oakhill Road, Beckenham. | Philip Emery Band Webmaster |
| A friendly band performing regularly in South London and the South Coast. All players welcome, particularly Horns, Tubas, Bassoon, Drums and percussion. | ||||
Belsize Baroque | Various guest directors | Susan Cooksley 07711 666270 | ||
| We play on period instruments , and perform three concerts a year as well as have three workshops with leading baroque specialists every year. Players don't necessarily need to be hugely experienced in baroque playing, but do need to be of a high standard. We welcome new players. | ||||
Bird College “Bexley Band” | Phil Brown | Tuesday 7.30 to 9.30 pm, term time only | Bird College Office 020 8302 1456 | |
| A fun and sociable group for adults of any age. Ability is not a priority in the Bexley Band - participation is the key. Adult beginners can be catered for with adapted parts. This band really enjoys performing. Please contact Bird College Office for further details including relevant fees. | ||||
Bird College Light Orchestra | Martin Gostling | Wednesday evenings from 8.00 pm until 9.30 pm at Bird College, 27 Station Road, Sidcup, Kent DA15 7EB | Bird College Office 020 8302 1456 | |
| The Bird College Light Orchestra is a friendly, informal group of players who wish to enjoy orchestral playing. All orchestral instrumentalists are welcome to join, particularly if you are returning to playing after a long layoff. All ages and standards are welcome and the aim of the group is to enjoy making music together. Please contact Bird College Office for further details including relevant fees. | ||||
Blackfriars Sinfonia | Various guest conductors | Eleanor Nicholls | Christ Church Hall, 27 Blackfriars Road, SE1 Tuesdays, 7 pm - 9 pm | Mike Stevenson 07983611007 |
| A Rehearsal Orchestra. New programme each week. Good sight reading practice! Occasional charity concerts. All enquiries welcome particularly strings. Access to own library of over 400 works, ranging from baroque to classical; Easy access from City & West End - near Southwark station (Jubilee line) and Blackfriars Bridge. Visit to the local pub after rehearsals. | ||||
Blackheath Halls Orchestra | Leigh O'Hara | Helena Nicholls | Project based. Contact organisers for details | Rose Ballantyne |
| Particularly looking for first violins, percussion and French horns. | ||||
The Bloomsbury Chamber Orchestra | Michael Turner | Alison Dods | Moorfield Eye Hospital, City Road EC1 Sunday day times. | |
| Some vacancies for string players, Grade8+ (or equivalent) | ||||
Bloomsbury Woodwind Ensemble | Shea Lolin | Tuesday evenings, St Pancras Church, Euston Road, NW1 2BA | Sarah Walker (Membership Secretary) | |
| We welcome players of any woodwind instrument. No audition. Our aim is to provide a friendly relaxed group for adults to make music and improve their playing. We put on concerts at least twice a year, generally for charities and community events. We are a player-run group with a professional musical director. | ||||
The Brent Symphony Orchestra | Levon Parikian | Adrian Charlesworth | Wednesday evenings at St James Church, Sheriff Rd, West Hampstead, NW6 2AP, 19:30-21:30. | Via website or 07879 247824 |
| A sociable full-size symphony orchestra, now in our 100th season. Besides 4 concerts per season we also rehearse challenging and varied repertoire. Vacancies for trombone, tuba, violas, double basses and a couple more violins. As we have a limited number of rehearsals per concert, new players must be grade 8+ standard with previous orchestral experience and good sight-reading skills. | ||||
Bromley Concert Band | Martin Gibbs | Friday evenings from 8pm to 10pm, Bishop Justus School Hall, Magpie Hall Lane, Bromley, BR2 8HZ | Natalie Lam 07545 254935 | |
| A large, friendly community wind band formed nearly 60 years ago. We have lots of fun whilst rehearse a wide repertoire of music to a high standard, and we perform at many concerts in some fantastic venues, throughout the year. Please get in touch if you are interested in joining. | ||||
Bromley Symphony Orchestra | Adrian Brown | Bernard Brook | Bickley Primary School, Nightingale Lane, Bromley, Mondays 7:30 - 10:00pm | Roy Banks 020 8402 0889. |
| One of the oldest and most distinguished non-professional orchestras in the country. Since its foundation after the First World War, the BSO has earned a high reputation for concerts of professional standard. It has worked with many internationally famous musicians, including Sir Adrian Boult, Norman Del Mar, Paul Tortelier, Ralph Holmes, Hugh Bean, Emma Johnson and Leslie Howard. The Orchestra welcomes applications from prospective new members. | ||||
Brunel University Chamber Orchestra | Michael Sanderson | Genevieve Haughey | Monday evenings, 7.30-9.30pm Recital Room, Lecture Centre, Brunel University, Cleveland Road, Uxbridge | Jay Wilkinson /Karen Lamb 01895 266074 |
| Friendly University-based orchestra welcomes new members, particularly strings and lower woodwind. 4 concerts each year with wide repertoire. | ||||
The Bushey Symphony Orchestra | George Vass | Richard Spenceley | Tuesdays 19:45-22:00 Bushey Academy, London Rd, Bushey, Herts | Mike Brien |
| The Bushey Symphony Orchestra, a highly regarded part of the local community currently celebrating its thirtieth year, gives a minimum of five concerts per season with a wide variety of repertoire from the baroque to the present day. Some vacancies exist in the violin, viola and cello sections. Grade 8 upwards please | ||||
BWE2 | David Morris | 7pm-9pm, Monday evenings at St. Katharine Cree Church,86 Leadenhall Street, London EC3A 3BP | David Morris | |
| A new flute & clarinet choir set up in January 2010. Please enquire for vacancies. | ||||
The Camden Chamber Orchestra | Lev Parikian, Guy Hopkins | John Crawford | Tuesday evenings, Camden Square, NW1 | |
| A friendly orchestra which performs three major concerts a year. Please refer to the orchestra website for current vacancies, as they do arise from time to time. We don't hold auditions but invite new players to join us for an informal trial period. | ||||
| Camden Light Orchestra | Kentish Town Congregational Church Hall, Monday evenings 7.30 - 9.00 during school term time | Chris Pyne 07977 698892 | ||
| Plays jazz,Latin and world music. Open to all instruments, all ages, all abilities. Termly subscription £60 but come to see if you like it free of charge... | ||||
The Cannons Scholars | John Andrews | Various | John Andrews 020 8980 2623 | |
| Small and friendly baroque orchestra (on modern instruments) meeting three or four times a year for intensive rehearsals and concerts in central London, often of baroque operas and theatrical works using professional singers. Interest rather than experience in baroque playing a necessity. Players should be at least Grade 8. All enquiries welcome. | ||||
The Central Band of The Royal British Legion | Captain David Cole | Norbury Royal British Legion Club Every Wednesday evening 7:45pm - 10pm | Assistant secretary, Phil Willans | |
| Always welcoming new players of a high standard, especially trumpet/cornet players. Need not be ex forces. Many engagements throughout the year including Fairfield Hall, Croydon, Sittingbourne, Gravesend, Eastbourne Bandstand for a week, Picnic Concert at Fort Nelson and Festival of Remembrance at St Paul’s Cathedral each year. | ||||
Chalfont Concert Wind BandNEW | Dwight Pile-Gray BMus(Hons) ATCL | Monday evenings at Robertswood County School, Denham Lane, Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, SL9 OEW | Bryan Ogilvie (Chairman), 020 8998 7042 / 07810 648702 Mary Cadman (Secretary), 01494 863352 / 07765 567305 | |
| We are always on the lookout for woodwind, brass and percussion players. There are also instrumental ensembles associated with the Band. The Band presents two main concerts each year, plus many other public engagements particularly during the summer and Christmas period. It raises much money for local and national charities. | ||||
Chamber Academy Orchestra | Kwesi Edman | Abigail Dance | Thursday evenings between 8 and 10pm, St Mary Magdalene Church, Munster Square, London, N1 (Camden) | Kwesi Edman & Abigail Dance 07984 013112 or 020 7609 1328 |
| Chamber Academy is a new orchestra based in the east end of London. We hold a concert following each 10 week term. Rehearsals will include sectional coaching with our tutoring staff and the opportunity to work with excellent soloists and young composers. Each rehearsal is lead by our professional conductor and leader. We are currently recruiting for all strings, principal flute, principal clarinet, principal horn and trumpet. | ||||
The Chamber Orchestra | Nick Coote | Anna Ritchie | Exmouth Market Centre, 24 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QE, Wednesday. Sectionals 6.15-7.45pm Full Orchestra 7.55-10pm | Nick Coote 01732 780310 |
| A friendly string orchestra where anyone is welcome to join. There are no auditions. | ||||
City of London Symphonic Winds | David Smith | Usually 3 Friday evenings and a Sunday afternoon prior to each concert. Near Tower Hill tube. | Ann Bevington Kara Settle | |
| Formed in 2006, CLSW is a group of woodwind and brass players based in and around London. Our focus is on performing excellent symphonic windband repertoire to a very high standard. We welcome enquiries from new players of grade 8 standard and above. | ||||
City Wind Orchestra | Shea Lolin | St. Olave's Church Hall, Mark Lane, London EC3R 7NB on a Monday 7-9.30pm | Roger Blake (Membership Secretary) | |
| The City Wind Orchestra is a friendly wind orchestra set up in 2009 for amateur wind, brass and percussion musicians. Concerts given three times a year in the City of London and consists mainly of original Wind Orchestra repertoire. | ||||
COMA London Ensemble | Gregory Rose | Shoreditch Church, Shoreditch High Street, London E1 (nearest tubes: Liverpool St and Old St) 19.00 - 21.30 Tuesdays | Liz Herbert, 020 8806 3959 | |
| COMA is Contemporary Music for All. All instruments and all abilities welcome. Public concerts in London twice/year plus opportunities to take part in COMA National events - usually at contemporary music festivals in UK and Europe. Opportunities for composers. | ||||
The Corinthian Chamber Orchestra | Guest conductors | BMA House, Tavistock Square 19:00 Wednesdays | Kathryn Keen 07932 788 739 | |
| The Corinthian Chamber Orchestra is one of London's leading amateur orchestras. Formed in 1995 under the musical direction of the late Alan Hazeldine, the orchestra has built a reputation for extremely high quality performances in its regular concerts (6 per year) at St. James's Church, Piccadilly. Vacancies for double basses and occasionally other players. High standard of players, post grade 8 or music college. Admission by trial rehearsal/concert, depending on experience. | ||||
Covent Garden Chamber Orchestra | Guest conductors | Ellen Gallagher | Two evening rehearsals in week prior to concert, two in the week and one on afternoon of the concert, 15 hours total | Ruth Newman 07802 174274 |
| Very friendly and social chamber orchestra of a high standard that prides itself on working with up-and-coming conductors and soloists as well as established names. New bass section being formed we would welcome enquiries. | ||||
Croydon Orchestral Ensemble | David Porter | Margaret Hawken | Tuesday evenings 8.0pm to 10.0pm at St Mildred’s Church Hall,Bingham Road Addiscombe | Martin Jenner 020 8642 7200 |
| We are a friendly orchestra rehearsing under an enthusiastic conductor. We play symphonies, selections from musicals and general light music. We welcome enquiries from all instruments but are particularly looking for string players. | ||||
Croydon Symphonic Band | David Cox | Christ Church Hall, West Croydon, Surrey CR0 3LJ, Wednesday Evenings, 8:00 pm | Sue Reeves (020) 8657 8591 | |
| We already have 50 people in the band and we welcome new members. No auditions, just come along and enjoy the fun of a rehearsal! We are short of lower brass players and any new trombonists would be made especially welcome! | ||||
The Croydon Symphony Orchestra | Darrell Davison | Cathy Smart | Friday evenings 7.30 - 10.00’ish East Croydon United Reformed Church Hall, Addiscombe Grove, Croydon | Sue Cooper Claire Slade 02086885090 |
| Friendly orchestra performing mainly romantic and later repertoire. 6 concerts a year in Fairfield Hall and 1 in Croydon Parish Church. A few vacancies, mainly 1st violins. | ||||
Crystal Palace Band | Michael Gray | Wednesday, 8-10pm at St John’s Church, St John’s Road in Penge | Band Secretary, Rachel Bleach 020 8776-2520 | |
| One of the few traditional Brass Bands remaining in London. We operate an open band rehearsal - just turn up - but if you need to borrow an instrument, it’s probably best to contact the Band Secretary. | ||||
Da Capo Concert Band, Whetstone | Jonathan Milne | Wednesday, 20:00 - 22:00 at All Saints Church, Oakleigh Road North, Whetstone, North London, N20 9EZ | Craig Carroll, Band Manager, 07760 243400 | |
| Da Capo Concert Band celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2007. We are a friendly symphonic wind band that plays many of the stand wind band repertoire as well as exploring classic and contemporary symphonic band works with a view to entertaining and challenging both ourselves and our audiences. New members are always welcome, please contact us for further information. | ||||
Dartford Concert Band | Ian Harby | Heather Kennedy | Wednesday 8-10pm St John Hall, Princes Road, Dartford | Don Valentine |
| Friendly band playing wide variety of music from Vaughn Williams to Shostakovitch, Lloyd Webber to Glenn Miller. 5 or 6 performances a year, mainly Saturday Evenings in N.W Kent. All wind and brass players welcome, see web site for more information | ||||
Docklands Sinfonia | Spencer Down | Adam Barker | St Anne's Church, Commercial Road, Limehouse E14. Wednesday nights 7pm to 9:30pm. | Spencer Down +44 (0) 7971 387 101 |
| An exciting new symphony orchestra for London's dynamic Docklands. Docklands Sinfonia is a high standard orchestra which is made up of professional musicians, music college students and talented amateurs. The orchestra, which was formed in January 2009, has already filmed for the BBC and performed with renowned soloists. We still have spaces for high-calibre and committed string players. Sign up now at our web site and click on the 'JOIN US' page. | ||||
The Duke Street Big Band | Matthew Page / Seraphina Davey | Tuesday evenings from 7pm to 9pm in central London near Euston station | | |
| We are looking for keen musicians who have experience playing jazz to join our big band. We rehearse on Tuesday evenings in central London near Euston station in a friendly and fun atmosphere. We are looking for people who are minimum grade 8 standard and have experience of playing jazz. | ||||
Dulwich Symphony Orchestra | Tom Hammond | Paula Tysall | Tuesdays from 7.30 to 9.30 pm at the Elmgreen School, Elmcourt Road, SE27 9BZ | |
| Playing enquiries welcome | ||||
The Ealing Symphony Orchestra | John Gibbons | Peter McGowan | Rehearsals Thursday evenings. Ealing Green Church, W5 5QT | Richard Partridge 0208-567 4075 |
| Playing enquiries always welcome. | ||||
Ealing Youth Orchestra | Leon Gee | Naomi Giarraputo | Twyford School, Acton W3 9PP, Fridays 6:00 - 9.30 pm | Trevor Watson 07958 235166 |
| Vacancies for harp, tuba, viola and bass players | ||||
| The East Hertfordshire Youth Orchestra | David Boarder | 7-9pm on Friday evenings at Simon Balle School, Mangrove Road, Hertford (term times). | David Boarder - tel 01992 623489 fax 01992 643795 | |
| Hertfordshire County Music Service | ||||
East London Late Starters Orchestra | Saturday morning during school terms, Professional Development Centre, Mile End (near to Mile End tube) | | ||
| ELLSO is a teaching orchestra who welcome all grades of string players, including complete beginners. Ensembles are conducted by our various instrument tutors. | ||||
ELLSO Intermediate Performance Ensemble | Nick Coote | Monday Evenings 7.15-9.30pm Bow Mission, Merchant Street E3 4LY | Andrew Sargent | |
| This friendly and supportive string orchestra is for players who have been playing for at least a year or so and are looking to develop their ensemble playing skills. Ten week term with opportunities to perform at ELLSO concerts. | ||||
ELLSO Performance Ensemble | Khac-Uyen Nguyen | Roberto Foth | St Anne's, Limehouse London E14. Thursdays 7.15 - 9.30pm | Vanessa Giadom Tania Shillam |
| A small friendly string and woodwind orchestra grade 6+, see website for current repertoire in rehearsal, term dates etc. New players most welcome! | ||||
BBC Elstree Concert Band (non prof.) | Mike Crisp | Maida Vale Studios on Monday evenings at 7.30 pm. | Charley Brighton | |
| Regular concerts and recordings are undertaken with an annual trip to France normally in August of each year. | ||||
Enfield Chamber Orchestra | Martin Smith | Sarah Colley | Monday evenings during term time, 7:45pm - 9:45pm, Holy Trinity Church, The Broadway, Winchmore Hill | Edmund Booth |
| After over 60 years as the Enfield String Players, we're now Enfield Chamber Orchestra (ECho), in order to incorporate a regular body of wind players and become Enfield's first chamber orchestra. To balance the new wind section, we want to recruit competent string players, particularly in the violin and viola sections. We are a very friendly orchestra who first and foremost enjoy playing great music. A minimum standard of Grade 7 is preferred, but a commitment to rehearsals and improving standards are the most important requirements. | ||||
Ernest Read Symphony Orchestra | Peter Stark | John Crawford | Sunday afternoons in Central London venues 4/5 concerts a year. Some Saturday rehearsals and all-day workshops at weekends | |
| We were founded in 1931and are probably best known for the children's concerts performed in The Royal Festival Hall and also for our appearance on Channel 4's programme ""Faking It"" We perform to a very high standard and many of our players have been through music college or have done music degrees at university. Our conductor, Peter Stark is senior conducting fellow at Trinity College of Music , London. Entry requirement is grade 8 plus for all sections. | ||||
Finchley Chamber Orchestra | David Lardi | Anna Dryer-Beers | Thursday evenings at Trinity Church, Nether Street, Finchley N12 | Clare Thomas 07957 472801Rosemary Cook 07966 934186 |
| Five/six concerts a season. Sociable but musically demanding (competent amateurs - grade 8 or semi-pro). For further information please see contact numbers, or e-mail via our website. We would particularly welcome enquiries from string and brass players. | ||||
Forest Philharmonic | Mark Shanahan | John Crawford | Monday evenings at 7.30pm and the weekend of a concert in Walthamstow | Jo Towler |
| Forest Philharmonic is a friendly yet high-standard orchestra, and is unique in that each string section has a professional leader whose role includes rehearsal and technical advice for the section. Members include music students, teachers, freelancers and amateurs. We perform a regular season in Walthamstow Assembly Hall as well as concerts in the Southbank Centre, Barbican, St John's, Smith Square and St Alban's. String enquiries always welcome. | ||||
Fulham Symphony Orchestra | Mark Dooley | Tom Evans | Novotel, 1 Shortlands, London W6 (Hammersmith tube) Mondays 19.15-21.30 | Marian Herlihy |
| We are a friendly and ambitious amateur orchestra rehearsing in Hammersmith, and performing 3 or 4 concerts a year in the Hammersmith and Fulham area. Please see our website for current vacancies. | ||||
| The George Miles Light Orchestra | George Miles | Angela Hunt | Thursday, Wellington Road, Enfield 8-10pm. | 020-8360-2505 |
| This orchestra gives about 10 charity concerts per year. Is very friendly and welcoming and needs ALL strings and some brass. | ||||
Greenwich Concert Band | Chris Lloyd | Thursday evening at 7.50pm in Holy Trinity Church, Southend Crescent, Eltham, London SE9 | | |
| Formed in 1988, the Greenwich Concert Band provides excellent experience to musicians of all ages allowing them to continue their musical education and enjoyment long after their schooldays. | ||||
Guy's King's & St Thomas' Hospitals Music Society | Clare Clements | Mondays, 7.30, Guy's Chapel, opposite Boland House (orchestra) | Contact via the website | |
| The GKT Music Society is a non-auditioning four-part choir and orchestra for the Medical, Dental and Biomedical Science students and staff at Guy's, King's College and St. Thomas' hospitals; however we do welcome all KCL students and staff, especially those that live around the Guy's area. | ||||
Hampstead Sinfonietta | Andy Rochford | Tim Miller | Two rehearsals before a concert in St Marks Church, Regents Park NW1 | Tim (Strings) & Ellie (wind) |
| The Hampstead Sinfonietta perform with the Royal Free Hospital Choir. We play three concerts per year consisting of instrumental and choral works. | ||||
Harmony Sinfonia | Lindsay Ryan | Simon Hewitt Jones | Wednesday 7.30-9.30 pm, Prendergast School (Hilly Fields), Adelaide Avenue, Ladywell, SE4 1LE | Lindsay Ryan Sharon Moloney |
| Starting in September, an exciting new, high-standard symphony orchestra which will be a vivacious and friendly orchestra of a high standard, aiming to improve access to quality orchestral playing. Now recruiting high-calibre and committed players for string instruments, lower brass and percussion. Apply for positions now, as places are filling quickly! | ||||
Harrow Concert Band | Roger Hewitt | Harrow Arts Centre, Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, Middlesex, HA5 4EA, every Sunday 10:00 - 12:00, except concert days | Roger Hewitt 07977 523 112 | |
| We are a friendly community wind band doing a few concert and bandstand/fete appearances every year. We have vacancies in most areas, and all are welcome. See our website for more information. | ||||
Harrow Symphony Orchestra | Gustavo Ubeda | Robert Was | 8 - 10pm Thursdays at the Harrow Arts Centre, Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, HA5 4EA | Peter Detre |
| 30 players of a broad age range. Urgently seeking new string players. Entry requirements - Grade 5 and above. Three concerts a year consisting of classical and romantic works. | ||||
Havering Concert Orchestra | Bill Brooks | Donna Schooling | Wednesdays during term times from 7.30pm - 9.30pm at North St Hall, North St, Hornchurch, Essex | Karen Williams 020 8950 5742 |
| A fun and friendly orchestra who extend a warm welcome to new players. Grade 5 or equivalent standard preferred, previous orchestral experience valuable. Highlights for the coming season include Rachmaninov's 2nd Piano Concerto and Vaughan-Williams Lark Ascending. | ||||
The Hayes Symphony Orchestra | Ben Ellin | Lynn Cook | Wednesdays, 7.45-9.45pm, at the Emmanuel United Reformed Church, The Grove, West Wickham, BR4 9JS | Mrs. Helen Hopkins, Hon Secretary 0208-658 2466 David Thomas, 020 8851 5830 |
| We perform three concerts per year, playing works by composers such as Beethoven and Brahms, and occasionally later works and world premiers by contemporary composers such as the conductor, Benjamin Ellin. New players will be warmly welcomed, especially string and brass players. | ||||
Hillingdon Philharmonic Orchestra | Peter Williams | Catherine Lindley | In Ickenham, three or four rehearsals before each concert | Lydia Holland 01895 252580 |
| Three or four concerts a year plus a repertoire day. We play music from 17th to 20th century. New players welcome. | ||||
The Hounslow Symphony Orchestra | Scott Wilson | Nicola Garty | St Mary's Church Osterley, Mondays at 7:30 | Geoff Pinney |
| Hounslow Symphony Orchestra is an independent amateur performing symphony orchestra of around 45 players, until recently part of the London Borough of Hounslow's Adult Education programme | ||||
Kensington Chamber Orchestra | Various guests | Derek Essen | Usually Tuesday evenings, St Clement & St James CE School, Penzance Place, W11 | |
| 4 concerts a year. We have a few vacancies for quality violin & viola players, and we accept people on a recommendation + trial period. | ||||
Kensington Philharmonic Orchestra | Mark Fitz-Gerald | Margaret Whittall | St Augustine's Church, 117 Queen's Gate, London SW7 Monday evenings 7-9.30 p.m. | Elizabeth Rantzen (membership secretary) |
| Three concerts a year in Chelsea Town Hall. A friendly well-established orchestra. Experienced violins, violas, cellos, double-basses welcome. | ||||
Kensington Symphony Orchestra | Russell Keable | Alan Tuckwood | 18:30 - 21:30 Thursdays | |
| Very comprehensive web site | ||||
Kew Sinfonia | Orlando Jopling | Gudrun Edwards | Usually 4 rehearsals, on Sundays afternoons/evenings and a Thursday evening | David Edwards, Chairman, 020 8876 9318 |
| Friendly and enthusiastic orchestra for professionals and talented amateurs. 3 concerts a year at St Anne's Church, Kew Green. | ||||
Kew Wind Orchestra | Spencer Down | Catherine Bromley | Thursdays 7:45 - 10:00pm, Richmond | Enquiries: 0208 876 2192 |
| The multi award-winning Kew Wind Orchestra is one of Britain's top amateur wind orchestras, renowned for its popular and challenging repertoire of symphonic, classical and jazz music. Looking to expand in preparation for exciting opportunities ahead. Especially need horn, trumpet and tuba. 8+ standard. Other enquiries always welcome. | ||||
Kingston Chamber Orchestra | Andy Meyers | Helena Ruinard | Wednesday evenings at 7:30 at St John's School, Portland Road, Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey KT1 2SG | Enquiries through website please |
| The Kingston Chamber Orchestra is an amateur orchestra of high standard, based in Kingston, Surrey, UK. Our members are a mixture of professionals, teachers, semi-professionals and keen amateurs. We rehearse weekly during term-time and perform at least three concerts per year. | ||||
Kingston Philharmonia | Levon Parikian | Clare Howick | 7.45pm to 10 pm Fridays, at St.Nicholas Church Hall, Summer Road, Thames Ditton, Surrey. | Chris Pocock: (020)89773851 |
| Strings needed! | ||||
Kingston U3A Orchestra | David Ward | John Kitchen | Wednesdays 10.15-12.30 at the Quaker Meeting House, 78 Eden Street, Kingston KT1 1DJ | Liz Bartlett 020 8974 5453 |
| The orchestra encourages those who've had a gap in their playing to start again and enjoy playing and learning with others. We have spaces for trumpets, trombones and strings. | ||||
Lambeth Orchestra | Chris Fifield | Jillian Warburton | Christchurch, Brixton Road, SE1. 19:00 Thursdays | |
| Vacancies for violas & basses. | ||||
Lambeth Wind Orchestra | John Holland | Thursdays 7.45 at St. Paul's Church Hall, Herne Hill, SE24 | Secretary | |
| We are a new band in the Lambeth/Herne Hill area. We are currently looking for a tenor saxophone, trumpets, a trombone and tubas. No auditions. | ||||
Lawyers’ Music | Matthew Willis | Sylvia Kapp | 7.00-9.30pm Tuesdays, Welsh Baptist Chapel, Eastcastle St, W1 (nr. Oxford Circus) | Kathy Reed (via website) |
| The standard is Grade 8+. The orchestra is open to non-lawyers as well as members of the legal profession. No auditions are necessary for singers and string players. Some wind and brass vacancies may also be available. There is an affiliated choir, rehearsing on Thursday evenings. The choir and orchestra perform 4-5 concerts per year. | ||||
The Learning Orchestra | David Evans | Thursday evenings (term time) at Lancing Street, Euston, London NW1, 6.30pm-9pm. | Enquiries through website please | |
| Violins and violas particularly needed - Grade 5 (approx) min. Two concerts a year. | ||||
Lewisham Concert Band | Leslie Lake | Most Sundays, 10-45 am to 12.45 pm. Prenderghast School, Hilly Fields, off Adelaide Avenue, London, SE4. Near Ladywell Station and Crofton Park Stations. | John Fisher 07906 966 159. | |
| Friendly band, good standard, rehearses and performs private and public concerts all year round in London and South East. Fantastic range of music in band library. Admission by committee vetting and audition. Grade 8 plus. Founded 1967, Radio 2 & 3 broadcasts, won T.V. Times National Band contest. For further details check our website address. To come to a trial rehearsal contact us via our email address on the left | ||||
The Linden Wind Orchestra | Tom Higgins | Lucy Underhill | Tuesdays, 8:00 - 10:00 at St Andrew’s Church, Maple Road, Surbiton KT6 4DS | Enquiries through website or by email |
| We are a thriving band that plays good music to a high standard. We are continually expanding our repertoire and aim to give several concerts each year. We come from all walks of life and our playing ability ranges from around Grade 8 to semi-professional standard. We welcome players of any age who are of about this standard. If you are interested, you would be welcome to come to one of our Open Rehearsals. | ||||
| The London Amateur Symphony Orchestra | Daniel Cohen | Tuesday evenings from work (1800-2030) | Fiona Horrox | |
| Orchestra probably folded - contact was invalid. | ||||
London Charity Orchestra | William Carslake | Simon Kodurand | Mondays 7.00-9.30; Chelsea | Stephen Bonney |
| Performs at St John’s Smith Square in aid of charity. High standard orchestra of music students/graduates and strong amateur players. New players welcome (must be Grade 8+) in all departments. | ||||
London College of Music Sinfonia | Guest conductors | Thames Valley University - St Marys Road Campus; Ealing, W5; Wednesdays during term time and intensively during build up to concert, plus Intensive Orchestral Weekends | Esther Sheridan | |
| Community based orchestra comprising LCM, Thames Valley University and other HE students, and keen amateur players (Ideally Grade 8+) and with a focus on training for LCM Students. All instrumentalists welcome! | ||||
London Consorts of Winds | Wednesdays in Herne Hill, SE24 | Alan Taylor | ||
| A group of 3 wind chamber ensembles, playing the standard repertoire for groups such as double wind quintets and clarinet choirs, plus arrangements of early music and newly composed music. The ensembles perform together. | ||||
London Contemporary Chamber Orchestra | Alan Taylor | Saturdays in Herne Hill, SE24 | Alan Taylor | |
| A chamber orchestra rehearsing and performing contemporary music, working with composers on the development of their pieces. Rehearsals and workshops every couple of months. Looking for more string players. | ||||
London Doctors Orchestra & Choir | Monthly - Reynolds Building, St Dunstans Road, W6 8RP | Via website or email | ||
| The London Doctors Orchestra and Choir is an exciting new ensemble set up by a small group of West London doctors who were keen to keep their musical interests going well beyond university. Our members range from junior doctors through to consultants, other healthcare staff and even some vets. Rehearsals are kept relaxed and sociable, the perfect opportunity to meet some new friendly people and held monthly to help fit in around everyones busy working lives, with concerts planned every six months. We are always looking for new members for both the choir and orchestra, regardless of previous experience. | ||||
The London Gay Symphonic Winds (LGSW) | Tom Briers | Thursdays from 7pm to 9pm in Pimlico | Clare Cahill 07896 039 938 | |
| Associated with the London Gay Symphony Orchestra, the LGSW is London's only symphonic wind band for and from the LGBT communities in London. Brass, wind and percussion players are always welcome to join us in a safe , supportive and fun environment, where sexuality is not an issue. | ||||
London Gay Symphony Orchestra | Simon Bowler | Sunday evenings, Central London | Nicole Aebi-Moyo | |
| The London Gay Symphony Orchestra is the only lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender orchestra in the UK. We welcome anyone whatever their sexuality. We perform 4 or 5 concerts a year in a friendly and welcoming environment. We pride ourselves on being a dynamic, player-led orchestra with lots of innovative ideas. | ||||
London Gypsy Orchestra | Gundula Gruen | Gundula Gruen | School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Russell Square on Thursday evenings 7:30 to 9:30 | Evrah 020 8341-2873 |
| An amateur group of intermediate and advanced players of any instrument who have a passion for Eastern European Gypsy and folk music. New members always welcome! | ||||
The London International Orchestra | Paul Wynne Griffiths | John Bradbury | The Free Church, Hampstead Garden Suburb, Central Square, London NW11, Wednesday evenings, 7.30-10.00 | Tom Radice 020 8455 1025 or 07941 528 034 |
| The London International Orchestra (formerly the North West London Orchestra) was founded in 1986 and is an orchestra with a difference, raising £000 for charity by performing popular classics to professional standards before enthusiastic audiences. Many of its members are teachers and retired professionals, including former principals of leading orchestras. Standard is conservatoire student through to experienced professional. Vacancies occur from time to time. For details and term dates please enquire. | ||||
London International Orchestra of Academia | Dominic Grier and Robert Tuohy | David Worswick | Stephen Mansfield General Manager | |
| Founded in 2006 for students of the capital's conservatoires and other suitably able musicians to gain additional orchestral training and performance experience. Also LIOA was seen as a means of offering high-profile concert events to community audiences in the south London community. | ||||
The London Medical Orchestra | Cathal Garvey and Bjørn Bantock | Tina Bowles | Walter Sickert Community Centre, Canonbury Crescent, N1 2FB Tuesdays at 7.15pm | Netia Lascelles (secretary) 07713 090546 |
| No medical connection necessary, no auditions and concession rates per term. Each string section led by a professional. Concerts are in aid of medical charities held three times a year. Currently looking for violas, basses and trumpets to join. | ||||
London Orpheus Philharmonic Orchestra | Guest conductors | Clare Wheeler | 3 weeks before a concert at St Botolph's, Aldgate High Street, London, EC3N 1AB | Rosalind Porter |
| 40 strong orchestra of professionals, semi-pros, students and experienced amateurs of Grade 8 plus. All donate time to raise money for various charities through concerts of varied repertoire at their home of St Botolph's Aldgate. | ||||
The London Phoenix Orchestra | Levon Parikian | Catherine Lindley | Monday 6.35-8.45pm at St Thomas More School, Cadogan Street, London | Nigel Dant 01252 557329 (day) 0118 986 8784 (eve) Alison Bowyer, General Manager 07740 946939 |
| Run by The Insurance Orchestral Society. Currently looking for Double Bass, Viola, Trumpet and Trombone players. | ||||
The London Repertoire Orchestra | Francis Griffin | 7:00 to 9:30 Wednesday evenings in at St Joseph’s Church Hall, Lamb’s Passage, EC1Y 8LE | Francis Griffin | |
| The orchestra plays different music each week, and would welcome string players and has vacancies for wind deputies and extras. | ||||
London Saxophone Choir | Roger Cawkwell | 2nd, 3rd and 4th Friday of the month at St Gabriel's Halls, Glasgow Terrace, Churchill Gardens, SW1V 3AA, 7:30PM – 10:00PM. | Through website or email: | |
| A group for saxophones only, open to all abilities without audition. We play music written in a wide range of styles and from many different eras, from baroque to modern and jazz, many of which have been specially arranged by our conductor, Roger Cawkwell. | ||||
The London Shostakovich Orchestra | Christopher Cox | Jonathan Lee | Full day, the weekend in advance of the concert, followed by an afternoon rehearsal on the concert day. St Cyprian’s Church, Glentworth Street NW1. | Martin Watts |
| Currently working through a complete cycle of Shostakovich symphonies. Contact via the web site. | ||||
London Youth Symphony Orchestra | Ben Glassberg | James Jarvis | Every other Sunday at Mill Hill School, London, NW7 1QS in the two months before a concert (about 3 a year) | Ben Glassberg 07596455546 |
| We are a new, young orchestra raising money for a variety of different charities, nominated by members of both the committee and the orchestra and play some fantastic, diverse repertoire, from Vivaldi to Stravinsky. We are always looking for new players (preferably no older than Uni/Music College students), especially in the string department! | ||||
| Lucas Wind EnsembleNEW | Peter Lutton | Jonathan Grover | alternate Wednesday evenings from 8pm-10pm in Surbiton, KT5 | Derek Gilbert |
| The Lucas Wind Ensemble is a friendly, relaxed group of wind players (plus horns, double bass and conductor), established in 1969. We perform 3 concerts per year in the local area and mainly play western classical music, including pieces composed specially for us. Please contact us to find out about current vacancies/deps. Grade 8+ standard | ||||
| Malden Centre Orchestra | David Benke | Thursday from 10.00am - 12.00noon in termtime | David Benke 020 8786 8517 | |
| We are an informal group of musicians of all standards and ages who enjoy exploring a wide repertoire of light to classical music. At least 5 works are rehearsed per term, usually including an overture, a major classical symphony and a selection from a musical show. We are particularly keen to hear from players of the Bassoon, French Horn, Trumpet, Violin, Viola and Double Bass | ||||
Mary Ward Orchestra | Nick Coote | Friday 8.30pm-10pm Mary Ward Centre, 42 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3AQ | Nick Coote | |
| A String Orchestra which meets at the Mary Ward Centre as part of the Mary Ward String Workshop. Friendly group, short performance at end of term but also lots of sight reading. Minimum Grade 5. | ||||
| Meridian Sinfonia | Ben Rous | Sundays at 7-9pm at St Nicholas Church, Deptford Green, London SE8 3DQ. | Ben Rous (07905 381931)Mike Jefferson (0207 3680115) | |
| The Meridian Sinfonia was formed 2004. We are looking for players of around grade 8 standard (and above), and currently have vacancies in most sections. Please get in touch with Ben or Mike if you are interested in joining. | ||||
Middlesex Yeomanry Concert Band | Michael Robinson | Sundays 10-12, Whitehouse Center, 45 The Avenue, Hampton, TW12 3RN | Rhys Hughes | |
| An Amateur concert band that welcomes all. We have a long history of music and perform regularly throughout the area every year. | ||||
| Monday Afternoon Strings | Michael Newman | Heather Hall | 2pm - 4pm, every Monday in term time, Widmore Centre, Nightingale Lane, Bromley, BR1 2SQ | Michael Newman 01622 743834 Heather Hall 020 8650 3349 |
| For anyone lacking experience or confidence we provide an excellent introduction to playing in a string orchestra, and, for those more familiar with playing 'under the baton', there is the pleasure of exploring the repertoire in a friendly, informal atmosphere, with expert professional guidance. Music is selected according to the average ability level and we suggest a minimum of grade IV to gain maximum benefit and enjoyment. String players of any age can be assured of a warm welcome - we need you all! | ||||
Morley Chamber Orchestra | Charles Peebles | Catherine Clarke | Morley College, 61 Westminster Bridge Rd, SE1, near Lambeth North Tube or Waterloo. Thursday Evenings 19.00 to 21.30. | Music Secretary 020 7450 1838 |
| High standard, medium sized repertoire orchestra; with a distinguished pedigree (previous conductors include Holst and Tippett). Offers a unique opportunity for skilled instrumentalists to significantly broaden their knowledge of the rich smaller orchestral literature with its main focus on broadening players' sight reading techniques and musicianship. Will explore a wide variety of compositions by following an in depth fortnightly rotation of challenging works from the 18th century to modern times. Vacancies for Grade 8+ violins and violas and basses, and enquiries always welcome from wind players. Occasional concerts. | ||||
| Morley College Conductors' Orchestra | Paul Sarcich (tutor) | Derek West | 2-5 Saturdays term time. At Morley College, 61 Westminster Bridge Rd. SE1 7HT. Underground: Lambeth North | Tom Whitehouse 02072516339 07702841896 |
| This orchestra is conducted by different trainee conductors. From the Morley Conducting Course and plays different pieces each week. E.g. An overture and a symphony. It's free, friendly, great sight-reading practice; no pressure on players. Great experience of playing excellent works straight through. Just turn up any week. Strings always needed. Brass and woodwind please phone to check. | ||||
| Morley Wind | Shea Lolin | Morley College, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7HT. Friday 5.30pm to 7.30pm during term time | Morley College (Enrolment Line) 020 7450 1889 | |
| Vacancies in all wind, brass and percussion departments for this new ensemble to be run by Morley College. | ||||
The Mornington Sinfonia | Keith Bramich | Elizabeth Binks | Thursday 7.45 - 9.45 pm in the Church Hall of Our Lady Help of Christians on the corner of Lady Margarets Road and Falklands Road, NW5 | Keith Bramich |
| We would welcome all string and brass players and some woodwind players. Our standard is particularly suitable for intermediate players. No audition required - if you like us, we'll like you! | ||||
| The Nelson Orchestra | Adam Pounds | David Richmond | 19:30 Thursday | |
The New London Concert Band | Andrew Duncan | Sunday mornings in Lower Kingswood, Surrey | Andrew 01483 416718Gordon 01372 724105 | |
| This friendly wind band is keen to recruit more players especially, oboe, bassoon, brass (including french horns) and percussion. Please email us or contact us through our website. | ||||
New Redbridge Wind Orchestra | Miles Harwood | Thursdays from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. at John Savage Centre, Fencepiece Road, Barkingside, Ilford, Essex IG6 2LJ | Miles Harwood 02085054329 | |
| A community wind band established in 1996. New members welcome (minimum standard Grade VI), especially tenor saxophones, trombones and tubas. | ||||
Nonesuch Orchestra | William Carslake | Jennifer Thorn | Thursday mornings in term-time from 10.15-12.15 at the London Interfaith Centre, NW6 6RG. | Deborah Behrman Harold Miller |
| String orchestra giving public concerts but also with an outreach programme primarily involving school visits. | ||||
North Downs Sinfonia | various | Sylvia Seaton | 1st Sunday of the month, Tatsfield | Peter Maynard Andrew Harber |
| NDS is a thriving Symphony Orchestra based in the village of Tatsfield on the Kent/Surrey border, noted for its high musical standards and friendliness. We play 2 concerts a year to large and enthusiastic audiences under different conductors each season. We welcome new players, especially strings, grade 7/8+, please mail us or refer to our website for more details. Hope to see you soon! | ||||
NLB Southgate Concert Band | Paul Williams Mmus PGCE | Fridays 8pm-10pm, Oakwood Baptist Church, Merrivale, Southgate, London N14 4TE | Martyn Stogden - 020 8366 0657 | |
| Aims of ensemble: to provide a top quality symphonic wind band for our North London community, encouraging lapsed players and mature learners to develop their playing skills and musical enjoyment and to bring through a new generation of players. Regular performances. Suitable for brass and wind players, and including percussion, string bass and piano. | ||||
| North London Morning Orchestra | Harry Susans | Betty Bliss | Every Wednesday morning from 10.00-12.00am at The Scout Hut - opposite The Jolly Farmers pub, Slades Hill Enfield | Eric Savage 020 8367 3169Joyce Beltram 020-84461729 |
| A friendly orchestra which plays a wide range of light and classical music simply for pleasure. Vacancies for 2 flutes and 2 oboes. No auditions ! Also vacancy for double bass player - double bass available on loan. | ||||
North London People's Orchestra | Chris Bearman | Julie Wood | Between 7.45pm and 9.30pm each Thursday at Oakwood Baptist Church, Merrivale, Southgate, N14 4TE | Martyn Stogden 020 8366 0657 |
| Aims of orchestra: to provide a top quality amateur orchestra for our North London community, encouraging lapsed players and mature learners to develop their playing skills and musical enjoyment and to bring through a new generation of players. Regular performances. | ||||
| The North London Philharmonia | Ron Rappoport | Robert Masarachi | Tuesday eves, Golders Green Parish Church, North End Rd. London NW11 | Ron Rappoport 020 8346-8645 |
The North London Symphony Orchestra | David Lardi | Tina Bowles | United Reformed Church, Ferme Park Road/Weston Park, London N8 Mondays 7.30-10.00pm | Contact for new members |
| Friendly but hard-working orchestra giving five concerts a year in Palmers Green, North London. Vacancies exist in some sections and the orchestra also operates deputy and waiting lists. View our website for more information including concerts planned for the current season | ||||
Northwood Volunteer Band | Mike Robinson | Mon & Wed evening 8 - 10pm at Northwood Headquarters, Sandy Lane | Michael Robinson 01923 957890 / 07917097273 | |
| A versatile and hardworking Concert Band, performing regularly at a wide range of venues in both the surrounding area as well as in Central London. The repertoire is both challenging as well as fun and includes popular tunes, big band/swing, orchestral transcriptions right through to modern day symphonic wind band compositions. We rehearse in a new purpose built facility and all equipment is available to loan if required. As well as the musical aspect the band also enjoys a sociable side away from the stand. All enquiries are always welcome. | ||||
Norwood Wind Ensemble | Brian Cox | Twice a month on Sunday afternoons in Addington Village, near Croydon. | Sarah Cox | |
| We are a friendly concert band who enjoy producing good music to the best of our ability. If you share our ambition and play a wind, brass or percussion insrument to grade 5 standard or above we would love to hear from you. | ||||
Noteworthy Wind Ensemble | Maurice Pritchard | Thursday evening 7.30 to 9.30 at SCOLA in Sutton. | Janet James 020 83371100 | |
| We are a group of approximately 22 enthusiastic amateur clarinet and flute players - but we would welcome the addition more players, and also of other wind instrumentalists e.g. oboes, bassoons. We accommodate players from a wide range of abilities, and enjoyment is the object of our meetings. | ||||
Orchestra of the City | Chris Hopkins | Rebecca Smith | Usually Tuesday evenings 7pm, St Augustine's, Queensgate, SW7 | General Enquiries |
| One of the leading amateur orchestras in London performing 6 concerts per year (2 per term) at venues such as St. John's, Smith Square. For audition info, please visit our website. High standard - music graduates preferred. | ||||
| The Orpington Symphony Orchestra | Raymond Lewis | Sylvia Seaton | Thursdays during term time at The Church of Unity, Rye Crescent. | Raymond Lewis |
| String players required, also vacancies in some wind sections | ||||
Palace BandNEW | Stephanie Reeve, Rebecca Whitener | Alternate Sunday mornings 10am-1pm, CUFOS, The Old Station, Top of The Avenue, London N10 2QE | Caroline Franklyn | |
| The Palace Band is a large wind ensemble (flute, piccolo, oboe, clarinet, soprano/alto/tenor/baritone saxophones, bass clarinet, bassoon and French horn) for adults of intermediate standard. There are no auditions, and the band has a relaxed and open ethos. | ||||
Philharmonia Britannica | Peter Fender | Brian Lloyd Wilson | Meet for just a few rehearsals close to each concert - Thursday eves and one Sunday. | Peter Fender |
| London's most adventurous amateur orchestra! We look to interest the reluctant concert goer by working with different art forms and removing some of the highbrow nature of classical concerts. We play music from the Baroque up to today. Amateurs & students of good standard sought. Professional leader. See website for more details | ||||
Phoenix Concert Band | Chris McGinity | Thursdays 20:00 to 22:00 Christ Church, Watling Street, Radlett, Herts, WD7 7JJ | Chris McGinity 020 8364-9862 or 07901-972855 | |
| The Phoenix Concert Band aims to set high standards in its performances, giving playing opportunities to musicians at the upper end of ability. Players are generally minimum Grade 6 - some well above - so do call if you would like to come along. We don't audition, we'd rather you came along for a few rehearsals to see how it goes. | ||||
The Portobello Orchestra | Anthony Weeden | Mihkel Kerem | Lancaster Road Methodist Church, London W11 on Mondays 19:30- 21:30. | Duncan Gillies via website |
| Friendly orchestra that meets weekly in term time and gives 3 public performances a year. Vacancies particularly for horns and trombones and a timpanist. See website for more details. | ||||
The Redhill Sinfonia | Pavel Kotla | Andrew MacDonald | Monday evenings at 7:30 at Holy Trinity Church, Carlton Road, Redhill | |
| To join the orchestra, your playing needs to be of a minimum grade 8 standard for all instruments. You must have relevant experience. We do not currently have any vacancies for woodwind players, but operate a waiting list where appropriate. | ||||
The Rehearsal Orchestra | Levon Parikian | Edmund Reid | Weekend courses in London; annual week-long course at the Edinburgh Festival | Anne-Marie Norman 020 7820 9994 |
| Not a regular weekly orchestra, nor strictly amateur, but has for many years rehearsed and played in London as well as around the country | ||||
The Richmond Orchestra | Philip Hesketh | Gill Herbert | Wednesdays, 7.30 to 10.00 pm at The United Reform Church, Vernon Road, East Sheen SW14 8AX | via website |
| The Richmond Orchestra is a full-size non-professional orchestra playing 3 main concerts a year in the centre of Richmond; plus a Children's concert with primary school participation; plus other sessions and events including workshops for young soloists and composers, fund raising and events with charity partners. Repertoire chosen to include playable post-19th Century composers (eg Pärt, Barber, Shostakovich, Stravinsky) and a good mix of works involving large forces (eg Mahler, Elgar, Tchaikovsky) and smaller from the Classical and Baroque. | ||||
| Richmond Symphonic Concert Band | Tom Higgins | Wednesdays 7:45pm to 10pm. The Baptist's Church Hall, Duke Street Church, Duke Street, Richmond Upon Thames, TW9 1HP | Andy Cankett 07985 279917 Emma Lizzi | |
| We are an enthusiastic and exciting new Concert Band (started March 2010) based in Richmond, London. We aim to be of a highest calibre (roughly Grade 8 minimum) and want to recruit musicians who are going to be regular and committed players. We are especially looking to recruit French Horns, Trombones, Euphonium and Percussion as well as most other instruments. Please e-mail or call us for an informal discussion. | ||||
Roding Players Orchestra | Miles Harwood | Martin Forsdyke | Mondays 7.15 pm - 9.30 pm, Roding Valley High School, Loughton, Essex | Miles Harwood 02085054329 Stuart Wright |
| All standards welcome - no entrance audition so ideal for near beginners and 'rusty' players to improve and gain confidence in a relaxed and friendly orchestra. We hold 3 concerts a year in Loughton and have a varied interesting programme of music. | ||||
| The Roehampton Orchestra | Wednesday afternoons, 1.30-3.30 in term time, at Roehampton University SW15 | 020 8392 3432 | ||
| We are a friendly amateur orchestra playing a wide variety of repertoire. We are currently seeking players of all instruments. | ||||
The Royal Air Forces Association Presidents Band | Peter Stockdale | RAF Uxbridge, Mondays 7.30 to 9.30 | Brian Hoare 01753 654113 Karen Sutton 01895-811391 Dave Thompson 01895-464916 | |
| Vacancy for an experienced solo/lead flute player. We will also consider other instrumentalists of Grade 6 and above. | ||||
The Royal Holloway Sinfonietta | Mark Bowden | Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham | Sue Geddes 01784 443853 | |
| The Sinfonietta gives two concerts each year at Royal Holloway and also performs at venues in London and elsewhere in the UK. Its programme features contemporary music by established and emerging composers and regularly features the music of Royal Holloway composers. Entry by audition. | ||||
The Royal Holloway Symphony Orchestra | Robert Max / Levon Parikian | Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham | Sue Geddes 01784 443853 | |
| The Symphony Orchestra gives three concerts each year - two in the Windsor Auditorium at Royal Holloway and one at St. John's, Smith Square in London - and recent tours took them to Germany and Holland. Like the Sinfonietta, outside players can apply to join. | ||||
Royal Orchestral Society for Amateur Musicians | Orlando Jopling | Clive Hobday | Mondays 7.00 - 9.30pm. Quintin Kynaston School, St John's Wood NW8 | Janet Farrell (Hon. Secretary) Francis Norton (Chairman) |
| An independent, friendly amateur orchestra, established in 1872! Three concerts per year. A lively mix of amateur players and music students enjoy a rich and varied repertoire. New players are most welcome (no auditions). Contact us or see our website for more information | ||||
Saint Bartholomew’s Orchestra | Bernard Jupp | Jimmie Brown | St Bartholomew's Church Hall, Ellison Road, Streatham, London, SW16, Every Monday, 8 to 10 pm | Bernard Jupp 020 8764 7523 Jill Dudman 020 8670 5456 |
| Now in 32nd year - mostly classical, occasional first-performances - vacancies for string players- 3 concerts a year - no formal auditions - easy access, easy parking, ideal rehearsal facilities - subscriptions £20 a year. | ||||
The Salomon Orchestra | Various guest conductors | Anna Ritchie | Rehearsals are held 2-3 weeks before each concert | |
Sidcup Symphony Orchestra | Dr James Ross | Nigel Sharpe | St Barnabas Church Hall, Rushet Lane, St Paul's Cray. Every Thursday 7.30-10 from September - early July. | Dave or Hazel Burnie 020 8850 1170 |
| 5 subscription concerts per year, including some joint concerts with Blackheath Choir. | ||||
Sinfonia Tamesa | Tom Hammond | Michelle Wright | 3 concerts a year, Wednesday evening rehearsals for 2 months prior to each. South Bank (Waterloo) | Ursula Sagar 07903 769221 |
| Very high standard, young and vibrant symphony orchestra comprising semi-professionals, music graduates and skilled amateurs (grade 8+), based in Waterloo. We pride ourselves not only on our highly polished performances but also our extremely friendly ethos. 3 concerts a year, plus an exciting variety of projects and collaborations with top upcoming soloists, new composers and (summer 08) celebrity training sessions for upcoming BBC series ‘Maestro' (please apply April 08). New players, particularly strings, welcome on a trial basis - no auditions required. | ||||
The Slough Philharmonic Orchestra | David Wilson | Marilyn Vanryne | Orchestra: Wednesdays 7:30 to 9:45 Choir: Mondays 7:30 to 9:30 Burnham Grammar School, Hogfair Lane, Burnham SL1 7HG | Orchestra: Keith Pocock 01494 524797 Choir:-Michael du Pre 01628-631119 |
| 5 concerts per year. Season is September to May. | ||||
South Circular Orchestra - SCOre | Play without one | George Mattar | Intensive before concerts | Ian Chown |
| New south London chamber orchestra to concentrate, initially at least, on Eighteenth Century music | ||||
South London Concert Band | Tony Ryan | Tuesdays 1930 to 2130 (term-time) Acacia Intergenerational Centre, Streatham | Helena Goldberg Sue Redsull | |
| Friendly group of brass and woodwind players playing at a variety of venues and events during the year | ||||
South London String Orchestra | Julian Williamson | Jim Huggon | Chatsworth Baptist Church, Chatsworth Way, (Near Tulse Hill) SE27. Friday Mornings, 10.30 to 12.30 | Elizabeth Rang 020 8947-7603 |
| No audition are held and retired professionals as well as keen improvers are equally happy! We play Baroque, Classical, Romantic and 20th century music, and give a concert each term. We are a friendly group and would be very pleased to see any new members. | ||||
Southgate Symphony Orchestra | Alex Eadon | Angela Hunt | 10 per season at Walker School, Waterfall Road, Southgate, London, N14 7JN. All Wednesdays between 7.30pm and 9.30pm. | Bernard Frankel (Secretary) |
| Has provided opportunities for people to hear and make music since 1961. The Orchestra welcomes all musicians of Grade 6 or above. Each season is tied in with school terms and culminates in a live concert at different venues around Enfield, often featuring concerti played by guest soloists. | ||||
The Southwark Concert Band | Bob Bridges | Thursdays, 7-45pm to 10pm, at the United Church, Herne Hill, SE24 | Kelly Etridge (band secretary) | |
| A lively and growing concert band, performing two major concerts a year, and numerous outdoor and charitable events. Entry without audition, though subject to places being available | ||||
Stoneleigh Youth Orchestra | Adrian Brown | St Paul's Community Centre, Inner Park Road, Wimbledon SW19 6ED on Sunday afternoons during school terms | Julian Hardwick 0208 946 5096 | |
| We have a Training Orchestra for grades 4-6 and a Main Orchestra for grades 6-8 and perform 3 concerts a year at leading London venues as well as undertaking an annual Tour in July. Auditions in September, January and April. | ||||
The Surrey Philharmonic Orchestra | Mark Fitz-Gerald | Tuesday evenings from 7:45 pm until 9:45 pm at St John's School, Epsom Road, Leatherhead | Neil Gilchrist 01372 276949 | |
| We are a friendly orchestra and are currently looking for new members to join who are Grade VIII standard or above, and in particular, strings, and trumpets. | ||||
Sutton Symphony Orchestra | Philip Aslangul | Nigel Stephens | Tuesday evenings at Homefield School, Western Road, Sutton 7.30 to 9.30 pm | Nigel Stephens 020 8660 2473 Sue White 0208 644 4055 |
| If you have any orchestral experience please come and try us out on Tuesday evening. | ||||
Symphonic Wind Orchestra of North London (SWON) | Grace Rossiter | Tuesdays during term time. 7.30pm at Martin Junior School, Plane Tree Walk, East Finchley N2 9JP | Secretary Caroline Egen 020 8340 2706 | |
| An enthusiastic and friendly wind orchestra. We welcome new players especially brass, percussion and lower woodwind. We perform three concerts a year. | ||||
| Tadworth Chamber Orchestra | Sylvia Houghton | Wednesdays 8-10 pm. Community Centre, Breech Lane, Walton-on-the-Hill, Tadworth, KT20 7SN. Chamber and String Orchestra on alternate weeks. | Sylvia Houghton 020 8337 7302 Gill Williams 01737 213267 | |
| We are a friendly group and warmly welcome new players especially all strings, horn and oboe. | ||||
Thames Philharmonia | Byung-Yun Yu | Raynes Park area, Wimbledon on four Sundays before a concert from 6 to 9 p.m. Easy parking. 5 minutes walk from Raynes Park Stn. | Peter Kaldor 0797 0430 577 | |
| Four Concerts per year. Concerts are in the Landmark Centre, Teddington, and in the Raynes Park area. Membership fee £30 per year Vacancies: Strings and some Brass | ||||
Thames Youth OrchestraNEW | Simon Ferris | Mondays 6:15-8:30pm, Tiffin Girls' School, Richmond Road, Kingston KT2 5PL | Hugo Fagandini (administrator) | |
| Founded in 2005, the Thames Youth Orchestra offers all orchestral players of Grade 6+ standard a chance to perform rewarding and challenging repertoire, including at prestigious London venues and on tour in Europe. There will occasionally be an informal audition. | ||||
Thameside Clarinet Choir | Martin Hinckley | St John's Church, New Malden, Kingston, Surrey / Thursdays 8.00-10.00 | Martin Hinckley | |
| Fully subscribed Clarinet Choir from Eb to contrabass Meets every Thursday in South West London. Extensive (300+) library. Holds twice yearly Playing Days with invited guest players. See website for more details | ||||
Three Rivers Chamber Orchestra | John K. Andrews | Genny Mepham | St. Mary's Church, Rickmansworth, Herts | Theresa Cory Genny Mepham |
| The Three Rivers Chamber Orchestra is an amateur orchestra of high standard, based in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire presenting 2 - 3 concerts a year and having fun sight-reading during the odd repertoire day. We welcome new players, especially strings, brass and percussion. Our short preparation periods ( 3 - 4 weeks before the concert) will be particularly attractive to music students or those who are unable to commit to regular weekly rehearsals. | ||||
Tower Hamlets Youth and Community BandNEW | Richard Martyn | Friday evenings 6.00 - 8.30pm Shadwell centre, The Highway, London E1 | Chris Shurety | |
| A friendly Band offering tuition in a supportive environment and a variety ensembles to cater for all levels of experience, from beginners to experienced players. Also features a regular jazz ensemble and public concerts for charitable causes. Members come from all parts of London and membership is open to all ages - from 5 to 80+ Vacancies in the Band are always available, lessons are by arrangement and subject to availability. Instruments available for loan or hire. | ||||
Trinity Orchestra | Michael Murray | Sally Telling | Thursday, Friday & Friday in two weeks preceding concert, Trinity Church, Harrow | Michael Murray |
| Looking for a few more string players esp. double basses. Grade VIII is the minimum standard. Six concerts plus one or two big choral events a year. Aim for high quality performances with our Musical Director, regular guest conductors and some of the country’s finest soloists. | ||||
Tudor Orchestra | Owen Leech | Haruko Motohashi | Monday night 7:45 - 9:45, Trinity Church Centre, Nether Street, North Finchley, N12 7NN | Owen Leach Marije Altorf |
| We are a friendly orchestra playing classical, romantic and twentieth century music – and interesting and unusual programming is a particular feature of our music-making. Open to amateur and professional musicians of all levels of ability, playing under the guidance of a professional conductor, leader and principal cello. We have a vacancies at present for a first FLUTE, first OBOE and second BASSOON, and would welcome more strings (particularly violin and viola players) as well as brass players. Please make contact via the links here or through our website. | ||||
University of London Symphony Orchestra | Daniel Capps + Matthew Wood, Enrique Carreón-Robledo | 19:00 Tuesdays, St. Stephen's Church, Gloucester Road SW7 | | |
| Founded in 1955, ULSO was established to provide students from the diverse academic backgrounds of the University of London's component colleges with the opportunity to play together. The orchestra seeks to provide students with the unique opportunity to study and perform some of the most challenging symphonic repertoire to the highest standard, catering both for those wishing to continue and develop their performance skills whilst completing degrees in non-musical subjects, as well as attracting members seeking to pursue careers in professional music. | ||||
The Wandsworth Symphony Orchestra | Keith Stent | Margaret Whittal | Wednesday 7:15 - 9:30 p.m. St. Mary’s Church, Putney Bridge | Ruth Baber - 0208-879 0062 (fixer) |
| Three concerts per year | ||||
| Water City Festival Orchestra in a Weekend | Rupert Bond | Michael Bochmann | Trinity Buoy Wharf, London E14 - first meeting Autumn 2010 | Richard Mallett 020 7021 0021 |
| Recruiting amateur musicians including string, wind, brass percussion and other instruments. If you live or work in East London, are 15 years old or over, play to the equivalent of Grade 5 or above then join up NOW! First meeting in Autumn 2010 | ||||
Watford Symphony Orchestra | Edward Kay | Rebecca Boyle | Generally Thursday evenings - but not every week Friends Meeting House, 15 Smallgate, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 9AB | Vicky Vandy, Secretary |
| A new orchestra aiming to provide good standard amateurs with an opportunity to make classical music in a friendly environment. Three/four concerts a year. Recruiting all strings in Grade VIII range. | ||||
Watford Workshop Orchestra | The group meets most Thursdays between 8:00 pm and 9:30 pm at St Oswald's Church Hall, Malvern Way, CROXLEY GREEN nr Watford | Bob Wallace (via Website) Tony Hunter 01923 836288 | ||
| We are an intermediate standard for those returning after a gap in music making or those who are less experienced we have players from grade 3 / 4 upwards. We don't perform as such but we have a gathering at the end of Winter and Summer terms to play through to friends and family | ||||
West London Sinfonia | Philip Hesketh | Eleanor Parry | Tuesdays 7.30 - 10 at Haven Green Baptist Church Hall, Haven Green W5 | Moira Cyriax, (020) 8997 3540 |
| Ambitious & friendly orchestra based in Ealing who perform 6 concerts per year.. Players Grade 8+ welcome. We are particularly interested in hearing from you if you play the violin, cello or double bass. Please see our website for further details. | ||||
West London Strings | Robin Wedderburn | Mondays, St Marys Church, Edith Road, West Kensington, London W14 9BA | Riq Willitts 020 8748 8401 Robin Wedderburn 020 8878 9840 | |
| No auditions; Grade 3 upwards welcome. Age 18 to 80+. Music is chosen and arranged to suit the membership. Our main aim is to experience the enjoyment of working at worthwhile music. | ||||
The Westminster Philharmonic Orchestra | Jonathan Butcher | Jillian Warburton | Usually Sundays, Indian YMCA, Fitzroy Square | Paul Munro 020 8423 5245 |
| New members welcome, viola, double bass and trombone particularly welcome | ||||
The Whitehall Orchestra | Michael Nebe | Nathaniel Vallois | Thursdays 6.45 - 9.00pm at the DTI, 1-19 Victoria Street, SW1. | Carla Finesilver |
| The orchestra provides an excellent opportunity for instrumentalists, particularly in the Civil Service, to rehearse together and perform three concerts a year to a high standard, often including ""big"" orchestral works that are just fantastic to play. We are keen to welcome new members (you don't have to be a Civil Servant... but we'd like more of those too) and we are are currently looking for trumpets and strings (a few vacancies in all sections). No formal auditions are held, but the minimum standard is Grade 7 for Strings and Grade 8+ for wind with admission by trial rehearsal. Full sections run a waiting/deps/extras list. | ||||
| Whitton Wind Orchestra | Jim Clow | Whitton Community Centre, Percy Road, Whitton, TW2 6JL. Wednesday evenings in term-time, 7 to 9 pm. | Felicity Williams 020 8977 5842 | |
| Friendly supportive rehearsal orchestra, welcomes players of all wind instruments from about Grade 4 standard upwards. | ||||
The Wimbledon Symphony Orchestra | Robin Browning | Charlotte Edwards | Tuesday evenings at Bishop Gilpin School, Lake Road, Wimbledon. | |
| Concerts - 4 per annum at St. Matthew’s Church, SW20. Good string players welcome | ||||
The Winchmore String Orchestra | Philip Gibson | Chris Gundry | Thursdays 7:45pm - 10pm at Winchmore Hill Methodist Church, Green Lanes N13 4EP | Joan Bayliss |
The Windsor & Maidenhead Symphony Orchestra | Leon Gee | Liz Greeley | Every Tuesday from 7.30pm to 9.40pm, Dolphin School, Hurst, near Twyford, Berks | Frances Jones |
Windsor Community Orchestra | Elaine Foakes | Dedworth Green Baptist Church, 29 Smiths Lane, Windsor SL4 5PE on Thursdays from 7.00 to 9.00 p.m | Elaine Fowkes 01753 859123 | |
| A local orchestra for all ages, including children above 9 years old, young people and adults, who meet to learn a wide range of music and perform together in the community. We welcome players of any grade or ability, but the orchestra is designed for those under grade 5. | ||||
The Woodford Symphony Orchestra | Philip Norman | Keith Gurry | Thursday evening from 7.45-9.45 at Roding Valley High School, Alderton Hill, Loughton | Philip Norman 0208-519 6491 |
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Adhoc Humanitarians’ Orchestra